6.5x55 Axis build, need some advice.

Hi everyone, new member here. I want to build a Savage Axis in 6.5x55 Swede, and need some guidance. This will be my first-ever build.

1. Do I need a long action (e.g .270) or can the Swede use the short action magazine?

2. I will use bullets in the 120 to 140 gr range with a 20" barrel. What rate of twist would work?

3. I want a carbine that balances reasonably well. What's the upper limit for barrel contour?

4. Is there any reason(s) that building a 6.5x55 Axis is a bad idea?


If anyone has already built an Axis in this caliber, please let me know what parts you used and how it turned out. Thanks to everyone who read this, I hope I posted it in the right place.

I built a Creedmoor on an Axis. The actions are all the same length, the mag opening and mag length are the differences in short vs long on the Axis.
I shoot 140s with a 1:8T barrel.

Actually the mag opening is the same length as well. The only difference between a L/A Axis and a S/A Axis is the magazine itself and the stock.

I'd stick with the long-action setup for the 6.5x55 Swede if you want it to be a repeater as it's too long for the short-action magazine. I tried squeezing my .284 Win into a short action Axis and it fits, but I have to seat longer hunting bullets deeper than optimal to get them to fit in the S/A magazine.

Thanks guys. I appreciate your advice.

Sorry, yeah, I meant the mag opening in the stock, not the action. My fault on not clarifying.